RDBMS vs. OODBMS

Difference between RDBMS and OODBMS

As its name quite rightly suggests an Object-Oriented Database Management System otherwise called OODBMS is a type of data management software that allow the creation and improvisation of data into shapes and objects through provision of support in object properties such as class and inheritance methods. Different to the Object-Oriented Database Management System (OODBMS), the relational data base management system is based on a relational approach although both it has to be noted present an advanced option in database management systems. The relational approach is relatively popular with database administrators as compared to the Object-Oriented Database Management System (OODBMS).

The basic contrast that a relational database management system has from the Object-Oriented Database Management System (OODBMS) is basically based on the fact that it involves the storage of data in relational tables. In other words a RDBMS can collectively be viewed as a collection of interrelated tables that contain columns and rows into which; data attributes are located in the rows while the columns contain the attributes of the relation. The RDBMS are a product of the extension of the network and hierarchical models of database management systems that have been blended to form the RDBMS. RDBMS involve to a large extent the principles of normalization and what is called relational integrity that is based on the 13 rules of relational systems. The conditions specified in any RDBS are very simple, it is imperative for a RDBMS to involve the use of relational tables while observing that no single entry in the columns is repeated and the standard query language or SQL has been utilized. The notable ease of managing and keeping data using a RDBMS make it very popular although the conditions that all data should be stored in tables where relationships between entities is defined by values may prove to be a limiting factor. The version is also inefficient in working with other languages apart from the SQL. Another limiting disadvantage is based on the reality that most RDBMS are restricted to only data and images and audio recordings cannot be stored. Some examples of RDBMS include Oracle and Microsoft’s Access.

Developed in the 1980s the Object-Oriented Database Management System (OODBMS) provides a unique way of storing information in form of objects and has since been used with the popular object oriented programming languages. As opposed to the RDBMS, the Object-Oriented Database Management System (OODBMS) is capable of handling relatively complex data and with good ability. The unique nature of Object-Oriented Database Management System (OODBMS) has been seen in its ability to relate both object oriented programming concepts such as encapsulation and polymorphism with database management principles such as Atomicity, Consistency, and ultimately Isolation.

The basic and evident line of distinction between these two models of database management systems is based on the styles which each stores information. While the RDBMS will involve use of relational tables, OODBMS will indeed put to use the idea of objects in the same purpose. The fact that OODBMS are complex in nature make them able to handle complex information and consequently difficult to use and learn. On the contrary, RDBMS are simple and easy to use although their ability to handle complex information is limited by these characteristics.